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Author Topic: Field judging a Mule deer  (Read 15839 times)

Offline Blsum

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Field judging a Mule deer
« on: August 30, 2010, 12:21:38 AM »
Hey guys. I was drawn for an Alta muzzy tag this year.  :IBCOOL: I am trying to learn how to field judge animals. I was wondering if anyone has any pictures of deer they have gotten that they could post up with a score. I would really like to shoot a decent buck and I don't want to miss judge an animal and end up shooting something that isn't up to the potential of the unit. Thanks
It's not the size of the trophy that make's it a trophy.

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Offline PacificNWhunter

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2010, 05:16:46 AM »
Eastmans web site has a free video where they talk about field judging deer.

Offline rasbo

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2010, 05:50:26 AM »
if it looks like the rack dont belong on a head that small get him..

Offline boneaddict

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2010, 06:08:04 AM »
Lots of talk on here about score and guess the score etc.   Probably search the word guess or something like that.  Just remember don't bank everything on score.  Have your goals going in.  The animal I got with my alta tag was a true trophy, but wouldn't score crap.  If you like it, shoot it, unless of course your only goal is to get in the book. 

Offline Blsum

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2010, 08:45:53 AM »
I've heard of to many people who end up eating tag soup cause they passed on a nice animal trying to get in the book. But being a wet sider and only having hunted mule deer just last year. I have no real base for witch to judge a good mule deer.

Thanks for the suggestions.
It's not the size of the trophy that make's it a trophy.

You may just be one person in this world. But you may be the world to just one person.

Offline 7mmfan

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2010, 08:56:45 AM »
I've always been told, and correct me if I'm wrong, but that a mature mule deer buck's ears are about 20" from tip to tip, so if his horns stretch out past his ears he's at least 20" wide. I've used that many times in my Wyoming hunts to judge bucks at a distance.
I hunt, therefore I am.... I fish, therefore I lie.

Offline Blsum

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2010, 02:05:17 PM »
Yeah I've heard that as well. Also that from eye to nose is about 7" so you can use that to judge fork depth.
It's not the size of the trophy that make's it a trophy.

You may just be one person in this world. But you may be the world to just one person.

Offline jameslong

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2010, 02:16:25 PM »
Eastmans web site has a free video where they talk about field judging deer.
great video. i recommend it.
It is better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you are not.

Offline SkookumHntr

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2010, 02:50:54 PM »
I've always been told, and correct me if I'm wrong, but that a mature mule deer buck's ears are about 20" from tip to tip, so if his horns stretch out past his ears he's at least 20" wide. I've used that many times in my Wyoming hunts to judge bucks at a distance.
-That's probably about right, seems like my biggest muley's rack is about 2 inches wider then his ears on both sides and he is right at 24 3/4 wide.
IBEW89 RMEF MDF CCA

Offline boneaddict

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2010, 08:40:27 AM »
It will vary with deer.   20-24 inches is a good variance.   Think mass equals maturity.    I think a good goal is a mature muley.  Alta isn't always a big spread unit.   24-26 inches is a solid buck there.  Then add some mass.   It is pretty good at kicking out true 4x4s and often eye guards.   If its 24 wide, massive, 4x4 with eyeguards.  DUMP THE THING. 

Offline Annette

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #10 on: October 09, 2010, 08:51:47 AM »
In a trophy area the bucks have a chance to get a bit older . Don't be surprised to find a buck that has ears measuring 26 inches tip to tip.... ;) so 2 inches beyond his ears you start getting into the tyrophy range, but like it was said before...you choose what you concider a trophy.
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Offline boneaddict

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Re: Field judging a Mule deer
« Reply #11 on: October 09, 2010, 06:48:09 PM »
Take a gander at my poll and see what you think?


 


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